NORTHLAND: BAY OF ISLANDS

22-Jan-16

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Paihia South Beach Rest Area

star rating of 3.5

by Chris Gaelic

Paihia Rd, Paihia, Bay of Islands, Northland

rvexplorer id: 19768

Lat-Long: -35.29716, 174.0991

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Beach frontparking.

 

Overlooking the bay

 

Council sign

 

The beachfront rest area on the main road south of Paihia has large grassed parking areas on both sides of the road.

 

While the two reserves straddle a busy road, this is still a really nice location with great view out over the bay.

 

While there is a council sign controlling excercising dogs on the beach, it is not really clear if this is a council managed reserve, or NZ Transport Authority rest area.

 

The distinction is important for freedom campers because the Far North District Council have placed a blanket ban on parking in reserves that they control, except for a small number of designated freedom camping areas. However, if it is an NZTA rest area, then you should be able to park overnight, especially if feeling tired and needing a break from driving.

 

It's crazy that we have such ambiguity as to where you can park overnight, especially if fully self-contained. If you decide that you'd like to park overnight, then you should be prepared to move on if required.

 

Comments

 

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10:52 AM 05-Jul-20 by Sailruig from NZ Public
Stayed here two nights with no problem. Some traffic noise but more than compensated by being able to park right beside the water.